Tierrasanta Dec 2023

WINTER 2023—2024

San Diego News in the Heart of the Hills Sponsored by Your Neighbor and REALTOR® DRE 01409835 | Real Broker

Julie Adams

Tierrasanta’s “Unrivaled” Love for Firehouse Station #39

See Page 8 Left to right: Paramedic Richie Giesen, Captain Will McLaughlin, Driver/Engineer Eli Majors, EMT Jesse Cordova

Want to move but Feeling st uck?

Today's homeowners have more options than ever before when it comes to selling and buying a home that better suits their needs. Put my 20 years of local real estate sales experience to work for you. Call me for a free, solutions-focused consultation to explore your options.

619.677.1004 | hello@LuvSDhomes.com | @luvsdhomes

REALTOR® DRE 01409835

Julie Adams TIERRASANTA PULSE SPONSOR AND NEIGHBOR

S

2

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

50 MIN MASSAGE -OR-

INFRARED SAUNA SESSION

$89

$20

VITAMIN INJECTION

NEW SET CLASSIC LASH EXTENSIONS

50% OFF

$99

SIGNATURE FACIAL

10601 TIERRASANTA BLVD STE G SAN DIEGO, CA 92124 10601 TIERRASANTA BLVD STE G SAN DIEGO, CA 92124

TOWN CENTER BEHIND CHASE BANK, 5 DOORS FROM STARBUCKS 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM TOWN CENTER BEHIND CHASE 10601 TIERRASANTA BLVDBANK, STE G5-DOORS 09:00 AM 05:00 PM FROM STARBUCKS SAN DIEGO, CA 92124 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM 10601 TIERRASANTA BLVD STE G 858-292-8633 SAN DIEGO, CA 92124 store4357@theupsstore.com 858-292-8633 theupsstore.com/4357 store4357@theupsstore.com

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

theupsstore.com/4357

s of The UPS Store, Inc.The (although one or more may be company USA and by itsStore, master licensee and its franchisees in Canada. prices and UPS Store® locations are independently owned andowned) operated in by the franchisees of The UPS Inc. (although one or more may be company owned) inProducts, the USA and services, by its master licensee and its franchisees in Canada. Products, services, prices and The UPS Store® locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc. (although one or more may be company owned) in the USA and by its master licensee and its franchisees in Canada. Products, services, prices and rights reserved. hours of operation may byCopyright location.©Copyright ©Store, 2023Inc. The UPS Store, Inc. All rights reserved. hours of operation may vary by vary location.

2023 The UPS All rights reserved.

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2023 The UPS Store, Inc. independently owned and operated. © 2023 The UPS Store, Inc. independently owned and operated. © 2023 The UPS Store, Inc. Offer expires 1/30/24.

Offer expires 1/3O/24.

Offer expires 1/30/24.

Limit one coupon perone customer. validNot with offers.

Restrictions apply. coupon percoupon customer. per Not valid with other offers.

Restrictions apply. offers.

Valid andRestrictions Limit coupon perNot customer. validother with other offers.

Restrictions apply.

ValidValid and andLimit oneLimit one customer.

Not valid with other Valid and Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and Limit one apply. coupon per customer.

redeemable onlyredeemable when presented at a participating location.

Store centers only when presented at a participating The UPS Store centers are Theredeemable only when presented at a participating location.The TheUPS UPS Store centers are are redeemable redeemable only when presentedlocation. at a participating location.

UPS Storeonly centers are when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2023©The Store, independently owned and operated.

2023operated.

The UPS Store, independently owned and operated.

2023UPS The UPS Store,Inc. Inc. independently owned©and © Inc. 2023 The UPS Store, Inc. independently owned and operated. © 2023 The UPS Store, Inc. Offer expires 1/30/24.

Offer expires Offer expires 1/3O/24.

Offer1/30/24. expires 1/30/24.

Offer expires 1/30/24.

Come Build Community at Brave!

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these bite-size donuts are gluten free, sweetened with organic sugar, and avoid the top 9 allergens!

5250 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite 116 858-569-7499 longIslandMikesPizza.com

858.384.6201

R E A L E S TAT E

E S TAT E P L A N N I N G

A Results-Driven Law Firm Serving Clients Throughout Southern California

P RO B AT E

C I V I L L I T I G AT I O N

Creative, Practical and Comprehensive Legal Solutions

Hoffman & Forde, Attorneys at Law is a results-driven law firm serving clients throughout Southern California. We provide our clients with first-class legal service, high-level attention, and a sophisticated approach to problem solving that utilizes time-sensitive, practical legal and business advice.

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

3

4

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Splendor at the Lafayette Hotel in North Park

A Second Round of New Venues Are On Tap Within the Historic Property

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Just when you thought renovations at the 77-year-old Lafayette Hotel on El Cajon Boulevard hit their peak this summer, along comes a second wave of themed venues scheduled to open inside the 139-room property in the coming months.

The hotel in July unveiled a dramatic $31 million redo by its newest owner, CH Projects. The locally based hospitality group, known for creating Instagram-worthy establishments such as Born & Raised in Little Italy, Polite Provisions in North Park, Raised by Wolves in UTC, and several others, has outpaced itself at The Lafayette in terms of high design and budget.

Phase one of the project resulted in complete upgrades to the rooms as well as five new venues for eating and drinking on the property. Each venue is distinguished by separate designs showing off impressive details.

Where We’ve Been Indulging Beginner’s Diner within the hotel captures a 1940s era, when tall milkshakes and hearty American grub ruled the day. The restaurant is open 24/7, and customers are greeted by a roomy lunch bar trimmed in shiny chrome, plus ample booths marked by old-style lamp posts.

The diner exceeds its culinary promise with gourmet twists in some cases, such as meatloaf made with Wagyu beef and breakfast hash using duck confit. Other noteworthy dishes include a mondo chicken schnitzel sandwich, a Reuben stacked with house-roasted pastrami, and crinkle-cut “disco fries” served with commendable veal gravy.

Sitting just outside the diner is The Lobby Bar, a circular construct that took over the hotel’s former conservatory area. The stunning glass dome overhead remains intact, thus adding an elegant feel to the wrought-iron lamps and detailed woodwork appointing the bar. Consider this ground zero for enjoying classic cocktails and hobnobbing with San Diego’s movers and shakers.

A stone’s throw away in the back of the hotel is the more-intimate outdoor Pool Bar, which looks out to the property’s original now-retiled swimming pool. The pool is open to the public via single-day or weekend passes that can be booked online (www.lafayettehotelsd.com). Check the site for current prices.

Quixote is the other restaurant that opened this summer. It replaced the longstanding Red Fox Steakhouse, which has since moved across the street. The transformed vibe is decidedly Gothic, which was achieved with materials and design elements reclaimed from an old decommissioned Catholic church in Mexico. Expect an Oaxacan-inspired menu flaunting dishes such as crab-corn donuts, whole grilled fish, chili-garlic shrimp tacos, and more.

The fifth venue that arose from phase one is The Gutter, a stylish cocktail bar and game room that pays homage to American industrialist Henry Frick. The millionaire’s mansion housed a personal bowling alley, hence The Gutter offers two alleys that allows bar patrons to test their bowling skills for $49.99 per game.

Chicken schnitzel at Beginner’s Diner (By Frank Sabatini

Bowling lanes at The Gutter (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Step back in time at Beginner’s Diner. (By Frank Sabatini

Classic king room (By Kimberly Motos)

Quixote restaurant (By Arlene Ibarra)

New life awaits inside the Lafayette Hotel. (Courtesy photo)

Rendering of the upcoming new spa (Courtesy image)

prime rib cut tableside are expected. The arrival of Le Horse will mark the property’s seventh new food-and-drink establishment inside the hotel.

Lafayette Hotel Info

Up and Coming The final phase of Lafayette’s remodel will usher in a couple more restaurants and a brand new spa, which hasn’t yet been named. But it will supposedly feature Roman or Turkish-style elements and artistic accents. A rep for the hotel said it’s due to open “sometime in 2024.”

In late January, look for the opening of Lulu’s Jungle Room. The venue will take on a vintage supper-club atmosphere complete with a shell-shaped stage for live jazz performances. This is where the old Mississippi Room stood inside the hotel back in its original glory days. And it is where Bob Hope performed many years ago. (Note: Hope was among the first overnight guests at the hotel when it opened in 1946.)

Lulu’s menu has yet to be finalized, but it will LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

The Lobby Bar (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

offer a chef ’s table and rum-focused drinks.

Then by the middle of next year, Le Horse will deliver a finale of upscale European elegance.

The restaurant aims to capture 20th-Century fine dining from some of Europe’s fanciest hotels that were pioneered by Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz and acclaimed French chef Auguste Escoffier.

Starched table linens, roving cocktail carts, and /LocalUmbrellaMedia

The Lafayette Hotel is located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park. It sits on 2.5 acres of urban grounds.

Room, bar and dining reservations can be made online at www.lafayettehotelsd.com or by calling 619-296-2101.

Parking is valet-only, although street parking throughout the neighborhood can usually be found. Valet parking rates are $38 per night, and $15 for daytime visits.

Check-in time for rooms is 4 p.m. Check-out is 11 a.m., although exceptions are made.

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Trinity Theatre Company opens in Mission Valley

5

Artist Director invites aspiring actors to follow their dream

By Vince Meehan All photos by Vince Meehan

The acting bug has come to Mission Valley in the form of the Trinity Theatre Company, a local grassroots theater group that has been operating in San Diego since 2012. The theater not only serves as an entertainment venue, but more importantly as a school for aspiring actors to learn the craft and cut some chops.

Sean Boyd is the Artist Director and CEO at Trinity Theatre Company (TTC) and runs the group with his brother Connor who serves as the Associate Artistic Director. Both brothers got into acting at a very early age and fell in love with the craft. “I started doing youth theater at age 10 with my brother over at the Salvation Army Joan Kroc Center, and just knew right there, this is it!” Boyd said. “This is the environment I need to be in – a quirky little kid like myself, having those quirky little people around me I think was exactly perfect; and that bug never wore off!”

The theater is located on the west end of the Westfield Mission Valley shopping center near the Outback Steakhouse and Target. The shopping center was built over 60 years ago, so it comes with abstract old-school ideas such as ample parking and easy access. This makes the TTC one of the most convenient theaters to attend. Not only that, but there are numerous places to grab a bite before or after the show. This makes for a win/win situation for both the theater and the mall.

Boyd feels blessed to have been in the right place at the right time in securing this unorthodox locale for a theater, but he also has a “why not?” mantra that has served him his entire life. “Luckily, we use a PO box right here and every time we were walking by and saw an empty venue we said ‘Why not? Why not that space?’ And everybody complains about parking in San Diego, well, we’ve got the best parking in San Diego! We just moved into this space on May 22nd, and started programing on June 14th. So it was a pretty fast turnaround in terms of getting the space ready to go for our youngest campers. And truly it’s been a nice synergistic opportunity, I think all the companies around us are happy to have us, we’re happy to be around them, the gelato shop right in front of us is just delighted to serve gelato during the intermission break so it works well with them! Trinity Theater started back in 2012 – while I was still a senior in high school – and for a long time we would work with our communities to find venues that we could use as performance space. We performed with Community Actors Theater in City Heights, the Swedenborg Hall in University Heights, and the Tenth Avenue Arts Center in East Village Downtown; so we’ve been all over the map!

The venue includes a stage that is 32 feet wide by 10 feet deep. It also features 62 seats, which will be mounted on risers for optimal viewing. TTC operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and includes education as a big part of its mission statement. It operates as a theater school for the community as much as a performance venue. “Our mission is to unify friends, family and the community using theater LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Sean Boyd mans the soundboard at the theater.

Brothers Sean and Connor at the concession stand.

Trinity Theatre Company Artistic Director Sean Boyd.

The stage is where the magic happens!

and arts education as our facilitator,” Boyd added.

“And we believe that anyone who has an interest and a passion for the arts should be able to participate regardless of past experience, so we’ve been very fortunate to merge the talents of the seasoned professional with the aspiring newcomer.”

Boyd is Irish, and seeing as how he and his brother and father were so instrumental in getting the company off the ground, they decided to adopt the Celtic Trinity Knot design as their logo. The trinity idea refers to the three pillars they aim to bring together through their programming: friends, family, and community. This is a big part of their mission statement, as well as focusing on both youth and amateur theater fans that are looking for a way to break into the theater scene. Boyd says he makes it a point to reach out to under-represented areas of San Diego to find students that might slip through the cracks otherwise.

“We really think about the geographic barriers as a big piece and so a lot of our programs push out into different communities and areas. We’re very fortunate to have partnerships with the South Bay Union School District, the Escondido Union School District, we’ve worked with San Diego Unified with the Level Up program through the San Diego Foundation so we can go directly into the schools and provide students with the access right there without needing to drive to Mission Valley here. We also try to provide financially accessible opportunities so we do offer a number of programs for adults free of

charge – our Living Room Readers Theater is one of our favorites – it allows artists to show up on Sunday with no reservation required. We’ll put all of our characters into a hat for a random show that we’ve picked usually that day. So as artists arrive we say ‘Read this, this is your character for today and good luck to ya!’ And that’s always a fun experience.”

TTC is currently putting together a production of Charlotte’s Web, which will be ready to open on December 14. This promises to be a very popular play with unique costumes and sets, and the turnout is expected to be very robust.

Community participation is highly encouraged

by Boyd in many different aspects. “So we’re a 501(c)(3) organization and we rely heavily on contributions so that we can continue to provide these free programs that give right back to the community,” Boyd noted.

As with any non-profit, the need for donations is often matched with the need for volunteers who are key to making the program work. Trinity is now seeking dedicated volunteers to help with administration, front of house, lobby decorations, set builds, strikes, and more. Anybody interested can reach out to connor@trinityttc.org to learn more about getting involved. Boyd’s answer to anyone who is interested in theater is to stop on by and talk to him. “Come! Come! And even if you’re thinking maybe this isn’t for you, try it! Try it! And we’ll tell you that you should be here!”

For info go to: www.TrinityTTC.org

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

20, I set up antake online • Seek a therapist to assist with a license you on the 7 |9ISSUE 1 68 | VOLUME | VOLUME | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media emotional aspects of the ng form and hotline the ibility and risk as an ownpublic website where Beware of attack.

Unscrupulous Life Insurance Agents ERASE HATE SAN DIEGO er.

Over the past several years, I have can report a suspected • Learn the names of the • Sexual orientation names, addresses and telephone warned the public of scammers trying Does the contractorto have • Gender numbers. get their hands on your money usmonth Diegopolice County • Disability • Write down as many facts ingThis a wide varietySan of methods.

But one me they witnessed in officers and prosecutors is participating in the statewide • Victim’s association with any about the incident as you can type of scammer who does tremeness card? Does the name of United Against Hate Week camabove group remember. dous damage is not a faceless stranger go County.

The tool was working the and keep in ego paign, an anti-hate In 2020, Ion set up an online case • Seek a therapist to assist with contacts you on theawareness Internet, byefon you are dealing who with fortmessage, to call or forphone localcall. civic action the emotional aspects of the text This threat reporting form and hotline to stop the hate and biases that on our public website where attack. n response to reports with them. comes with a friendly, oftentouch familiar, pose a dangerous threat to the anyone can report a suspected • Learn the names of the It’s your friendly, neighborhood he name associatedface. with safety and civility of neighborhate crime they witnessed in police officers and prosecutors life insurance agent. related incidents aimed • Get copies of police reports hoods, towns, and cities.

UnforSan Diego County.

The tool was working on the case and keep in While the majority of life insurance nse number? tunately, hate crimes have inpartly in response to reports touch with them. agents are ethical and upstanding, creased across our nation, state, check of hate-related them incidents aimedfor• Get copies of police reports Asian community across and accuracy. there are unscrupulous, unethical and region.

By learning about at the Asian community across and check them for accuracy.

Check the personnelagents list who pose a serious threat to hate crimes and how to stand the nation in the wake of the • Attend necessary court hearconsumers, particularly to seniors. on in the wake of the • Attend necessary court hearion against them and report them, COVID-19 pandemic.

The onings, whether you are subpoeFraudulent life agents target seniors icense for additional qualwe can make everyone safer. line reporting tool, email and naed, including arraignment, because many seniors have accumuFor thoseover who don’tofalready phone number are available for bail review and sentencing.

-19 pandemic.

The onings, whether you are subpoelated wealth decades working know, prosecuting and preventreporting of any type of suspect• If possible, make a statement mployees. Is the address of and saving -- money they plan to use ing hate crimes is a priority ed hate crime. in court to the judge about forand their retirement, or to pass on to orting tool, email naed, including arraignment, for me as District Attorney.

In We know that people often threats, direct or indirect, and their beloved heirs. Life agents looking struction business local? recent years, we’ve tripled the don’t report hate crimes bepossible fears. to make a quick buck scam the public number are available of prosebail and sentencing. cause of fear or shame, and we The public can find the DA’s innumber a varietyfor of hate ways, crimes including but not review cutions, sending an unwaverwanted to provide a direct aveonline reporting form by If there is a discrepancy belimited to the following: ing message that hate crimes nue to encourage victims or witsearching for hate crimes at Misrepresentation of terms • If possible, make a statement ng of any type of suspectwill not be tolerated.

Last year nesses to hate crimes to report. www.SanDiegoDA.com.

The Premium theft he business card, invoice, alone, we prosecuted 30 hate People can and should continue Hate Crimes email address is Twisting/Churning crime. in court to the judge about crimes cases, up from 21 in to report hate crimes to their hatecrimes@sdcda.org and the Forgery/identity theft and the CSLB’s webpage, 2020. local police departments and phone number is 619-515-8805.

Ponzi schemes We recognize the distincSheriff ’s Department.

This adThe magnitude of the problem now that number people often threats, direct or indirect, and tive fear and stress suffered by ditional reporting mechanism posed by bad actor life insurance business listed victims of hate crimes, when includwill act as a safety net and help agents is better understood one port hate crimes bepossible fears. ing the potential for reprisal, are reviewed and eport realizes that life insurance policies in- ensure reports CSLB page to confirm all escalation of violence, and the shared by law enforcement. clude not only the commonly-underfar-reaching negative If public you have been a victim of find the DA’s stood policies with a deathconsebenefit, but fare fear or shame, and we The can quences that hate crimes have hate crime, here are tips on also the countless annuity policies that insurance license history for previous District Attorney’s Office has proseknown to each other. onoffered our community. to do:or discipline, are by insurance companies as what complaints cuted many cases under the program, to provide a direct online reporting byhave received lengthy Aavehateinvestment incident isthat anprovides act, •Never If you areyour seriously injured, a low-risk an give premium to the form and defendants A con artist will frequently which is bias-motivated, but call 911 or get to the hospital income stream to the policyholder. agent. Mail it to the insurance compa- prison sentences. In addition, we have does notwitriserisk to the level of immediately.

The financial posed bysearching unscruny instead. seized and sold defendants’ encourage victims or for hate crimes at properties a hatelifecrime.

Foragents example, •Get Whether or copies not you arerelevant inpulous insurance does not and retain of all and returned well over $1 million to me similar to a reputable if someone a racial slur report the crime. disappear once uses the agent retires.

Former jured, documents, applications, policies, etc. victims as restitution. o hate crimes to report. www.SanDiegoDA.com.

The against another it probably • To help yourself, is importlife agents often have lengthy lists of Consider not buying it a policy the As your District Attorney, I’m comction firm and sometimes isn’t they a hate crime, ratherover a hate ant towas do pitched at leasttosome theagent. mitted to increasing communication clients have accumulated day it you byofthe incident.

It’s important to unfollowing: can andindividual should continue Hate Crimes address years of working in the industry.

Take time to evaluate it. email and accessibility betweenis the DA’s derstand the difference between •Be See a doctorofto and or unscrupulous agents solicit suspicious anytreat “private” Office and the public in order to keep censed istheSometimes foran act insurance that is understandably document even minor physical previous clients forhatecrimes@sdcda.org risky pri“special” investment opportunity that’s you safe. I hope these consumer and rt hate crimes to their and the upsetting, and an act motivated injuries. vate investments that are not offered by not produced by an established insur- public safety tips have been helpful. ployee of the reputable to have a minimum byestablished hate or bias that company, is arequired crime.

• Take pictures of any physical an insurance nor ance company.

A hateand crime is against an injuries or damages property, olice departments regulated and phone number is not insured.

Thankfully, there is a to resource avail-619-515-8805. individual or property that is even if police already did so.who As your District Attorney, I’m $25,000 surety bond.

Anyone considering investing in life able to consumers in San Diego substantially motivated by bias • If the crime is vandalism, let committed to increasing commuinsurance products should remember have been victimized by life insurance s Department.

This adagainst the victim’s: the police see and photograph nication and accessibility between suggestions below to minimize the agents Legitimate or former agents. The Life and contractors Check references. Inthe San • the damage before you clean the DA’s Office and the public. I risk of being scammed by unethical Annuity Consumer Protection Pro• Race/ethnicity/nationality and/or repair. hope these consumer and public lou reporting mechanism life insurance agents. gram provides funding for the inves• Religion • If possible, get witnesses’ safety tips have been helpful. can also check the San should not ask for more than a Contact the California Departtigation and prosecution of unethical menthelp of Insurance to check an agent’s life insurance agents. The San Diego as a safety net and uperior Court filings for 10% deposit upfront. reports are reviewed and l and criminal cases.

Although thisamay seemDay! like Clean Windows Feel Like New by lawindividual enforcement.

If the has no quite a bit of effort up front, it have been a that victim of presence, then is also will save you time, money and me, on le redhere flag.are Is ittips a new heartache. Victims of unscrupuy,do: joint venture or new lilous contractors rarely recoup areask seriously injured, fuso, how much experi- their financial losses from the get to the e or contractor hashospital with your criminals and always wish they ately. had spent more time researching ther orget nota you are in-of Always minimum their contractor. eport the job. crime. ds for any If the quote These crimes are not rare in Calelp to yourself, is importSeniors ood be true,itask why. ifornia, the CSLB Military even& maintains a o at the least some of be the do Will contractor “Most Wanted” list. If you suspect gng: alone or have employees? you have been the victim of conaare doctor to treat andto see struction fraud or an unlicensed employees check

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

Neighborhood Publications Reaching Over 125,000 San Diego Area Mailboxes Every Month!

Follow & Like Us Online! @LocalUmbrellaMedia

Browse all editions online at www.LocalUmbrellaNews.com HYPER-LOCAL COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONS

Local Umbrella Media publishes hyperlocal, positive, upbeat, community publications, focusing on supporting local businesses, lifestyle articles, upcoming events, talents and contributions of the locals who live and work in our communities. i ADVERTISING INQUIRIES BRAD WEBER | 619-300-1732 publisher@localumbrella.com

i GRAPHICS & DESIGN Umbrella Design & Graphics

i EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS publisher@localumbrella.com

Brad Weber, Group Publisher

MEDIA CONSULTANTS C. CHRISTIE CRAIG TOM SHESS MUSIC EDITOR BART MENDOZA

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR - NATIONAL STEFANEE FREEDMAN MICHELLE WESTBERRY

CONTRIBUTORS RON DONOHO LINDEE ROCHELLE VINCE MEEHAN MARLISE KAST-MYERS BOB MOREY BRANDO FONTAINE CYNTHIA KOSCIUZYK MIRIAM RAFTERY SUMMER STEPHEN SENATOR TONI ATKINS BRAD WILLIS FRANK SABATINI, JR. OLIVIA FELLUS, L.A.C.,DIPL .OM PHOTOGRAPHY DAWN SEBAUGH FARIMA TABRIZI

SOCIAL MEDIA TONY HERNANDEZ

©2023 COPYRIGHT BY INSPIRED MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Local Umbrella Media Publications are printed monthly and distributed freely throughout San Diego County. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Local Umbrella Media is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented in the newspaper. Local Umbrella Media Publications are produces and published by Inspired Media Inc., and no part of this publication bay be reproduced or transmitted without permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements contained herein are not endorsed or recommended by publisher; therefore, publisher shall not be held liable for business practices of advertisers. Publisher not liable for images accepted in good faith.

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com /LocalUmbrellaMedia /LocalUmbrellaMedia LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE ADVERTISE| |Press@LocalUmbrella.com Brad@LocalUmbrella.com @LocalUmbrellaMedia

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

7

Santa Is Ready To Visit San Diego

And He’s will be excited to be here.

In the midst of this festive Christmas season, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the beloved Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the dynamic duo behind the magic of Christmas. With their twinkling eyes and warm smiles, Santa and Mrs. Claus shared insights into their enchanting world and delivered a heartwarming message to the children of San Diego. As they prepare for the most magical night of the year, Santa and Mrs. Claus take a moment to reflect on the joy they bring to families around the world.

Local Umbrella Media (LUM) Santa, Mrs. Claus, it’s a real treat to speak with you both! How do you prepare for the busiest night of the year?

Santa: Ho ho ho! It’s always a joy to spread the Christmas spirit. Mrs. Claus and I start our preparations months in advance. We double-check the naughty and nice lists, ensure the reindeer are in top shape, and, of course, make sure the toy workshop is bustling with activity.

Mrs. Claus: Absolutely! And I must say, the elves have been working tirelessly to make this year extra special for the children of San Diego. We›ve got some surprises up our sleeves!

LUM: Speaking of surprises, any hints about this year’s must-have toys?

Santa: Ah, that›s a secret! But I can guarantee there will be something for everyone. We›ve been LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

keeping a close eye on the wishes of the children in San Diego, and the elves have been working their magic to make their dreams come true.

LUM: Mrs. Claus, as the unsung hero behind the scenes, what role do you play in making Christmas magical?

Mrs. Claus: Well, my role is multi-faceted. I ensure that Santa is well-fed with cookies and milk, even though he’ll get more along the way. I oversee the elves to make sure the toys are just right and spread joy with my own touch of magic. Plus, I offer a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

LUM: Now, Santa, what message do you have for the children of San Diego this Christmas?

Santa: To all the children of San Diego, I want you to know that you are loved. Christmas is a time of joy, kindness, and togetherness. Always be good to one another, cherish your family and friends, and always believe in the magic of the season. Mrs. Claus and I are looking forward to visiting your homes and spreading the magic of Christmas!

LUM: Any final thoughts before the big night?

Mrs. Claus: Just remember, the true magic of Christmas lies in your hearts. Keep spreading love and joy, and may your holidays be filled with laughter and warmth.

to visit and for me, like many people out there, it has to be the weather. As we start out from the North Pole, we work our way west from the International Dateline, and most of the places we stop at are snowy and cold, sort of like the North Pole, which of course is where we live. By the time we get to San Diego, it’s much warmer and the skies are clear, something to really look forward to after that long night in the sleigh. In fact, every now and then, Mrs. Claus and I slip down here for a short vacation, I think it’s our favorite place to visit and we really love it at the Hotel Del Coronado.

As Santa and Mrs. Claus prepare to embark on their sleigh ride, their infectious spirit of generosity and love spreads across our county awaiting their arrival, promising to make this Christmas in San Diego truly special. The enchantment of the Christmas season lives on in the hearts of those who believe and can last throughout the year.

The magic of Santa and Mrs. Claus always brings heartfelt smiles of joy to children of all ages, all you have to do is believe. From all of us here at Local Umbrella Media, A Very Merry Christmas to you all.

LUM: Can you tell us what is your favorite thing about San Diego?

Santa: Well San Diego is a very exciting place /LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

8

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Tierrasanta’s “Unrivaled” Love for Firehouse Station #39

It was 2021, and wildfires raged through the County. High winds were pointing the terrifying flames towards Tierrasanta when Station #39, Tierrasanta’s local firehouse, received a call that a car had driven into a house. At the scene, they discovered the driver in the midst of a heart attack. The firefighters stepped into action, providing medical care and emergency vehicle accident care, all while facing one of the biggest fires the County has ever seen.

Days like these are why Tierrasantans love their Fire Station #39. Although considered one of the smallest firehouses in San Diego, the love for the crew at #39 is BIG! “We’re the only station within close range of thousands of homes and businesses, so when anything happens in this area, we are the ones to respond,” explained Captain Will McLaughlin, Fire Station #39’s leader. With the closest other firehouses by Montgomery Field and Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley, Station #39 plays a critical, and almost solo role, in protecting Tierrasanta.

Captain McLaughlin calls the local support of the Station “almost unrivaled.” He shared the story of a local business owner, “TK,” who raised enough money to renovate the Station’s front yard. And the story of Tierrasantan “Glenn” and his wife, who bring donuts to the Fire Station the first Sunday of every month.

Firefighter Mason Hill, and Captain Will McLaughlin

The Tierrasanta Town Council reserves spots for Station #39 at all eight “Concerts at the Park” at the Community Center each summer.

Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the Hall family, have made Christmas Eve dinner for Station #39 every year for the past 23 years, and often make Thanksgiving dinner too. They provided 22 pies one recent Thanksgiving, causing McLaughlin to joke that “some might still be in the freezer.”

Built on the former location of Camp Elliott in 1976, Station #39 also has a strong relationship and a shared history with the military.

Fireman, driver, engineer and self-proclaimed “army brat,” Eli Majors, shared the story of a huge honor received by Station #39 – being gifted a “challenge coin” from Medal of Honor recipient Robert J. Modrzejewski. “It’s not every day that you get to know a Medal of Honor recipient on a first-name basis,” said Majors. “It was pretty cool.”

Tierrasanta’s love of Station #39 is definitely returned. The Station’s crew regularly visits schools to talk about fire safety, and also offers Station tours to organizations, schools and families.

Their Cadet Program offers young adults the opportunity to experience life at Station #39.

Cadets learn how to clean equipment, throw

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

ladders, tie ropes, perform drills and experience daily life at the Station. This can often lead to a career choice as a firefighter or EMT. Through more than 40 years of fires, accidents, medical emergencies, and so much more, Tierrasantans continue to love and admire the selfless dedication of the crew at tiny Station #39.

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Santa Is Coming! Santa Is Coming!

Stocking Stuffers and Safety Tips For The Holidays.

By Bob Morey With Spliff the Elf

Happy Holidays to all you big kids out there. I’m Spliff, Santa’s go-to elf (wink wink…you know what I mean). My friend Bob has graciously offered to help write this to ensure your Christmas goes as smoothly as planned. Now that we are into our Christmas season, I’m here to give you some ideas for stocking stuffers and some tips so little Johnny or Karen don’t get into something they shouldn’t.

Let’s start with your stockings. Usually, most folks hang their stockings across the mantle if they have a fireplace or are just strung along the wall. Now, if you’re considering giving or receiving any cannabis or CBD products, you’re going to want to hang those stockings a little higher up so the kiddies can’t reach them. This is also like a code to your friends in the know that those kinds of gifts are cool and appreciated. It’s like the code when you were in college when you hung a sock on the doorknob of your dorm room door to let your roommate know you had a ‘special’ guest over and needed a little privacy for a while.

Once Santa gets in your house, it’s pretty common for him to find a glass of milk and some munchies on a table near the tree. While Santa is always good for a glass of egg nog or milk, please…please hold off on the cookies and brownies – especially if you have hopped them up a little <wink>. Wrap those goodies up, put a bow on them (maybe a green one), and save them for your like-minded friends. Besides, Santa is sort of on a diet, and the reindeer will appreciate not having to pull around the extra weight. And don’t forget, little Johnny or Karen might sneak out to see if Santa has come yet, and we would hate for them to snag them, like they would mack on Santa’s snacks – right?

The same applies for leaving Santa a toke or two, while Santa really enjoys kicking back and getting mellow while watching the college bowl games and NFL playoffs after Christmas (His favorite is the Holiday Bowl; he believes it was created to honor him and the Christmas season). The real reason is Santa can’t spark up while flying in the sleigh, and besides, he needs to get all the presents out to the right homes before daybreak, and that would be super hard if he got high, and then we come back to the munchies y’all leave out. Oh…insider tip: vape pens are best when flying in an open sleigh.

In the past, some of you have left reindeer bags out for the guys pulling the sleigh (sort of like the doggie snacks some places have when you bring your poochies out – and – yes, Rudolph always seems to get the biggest bags). I get it. Some of you have fur babies, and you give them Scooby Snacks. Save the reindeer bag for your furry ones, and – here’s another tip: give the furriers a snack or two before everyone comes over so they can be a little chilled too, like while y’all are having a drink or two. Also, Rudolph and the team have a lot of flying to do, taking off and landing on slippery snow-covered roofs all night takes a lot of skill, and they need to stay sharp.

Last month, I was told y’all were given some holiday recipes which can be used again for Christmas. Just remember to take some care and tell your guests what they are eating so no one overdoes it.

Faceplanting is never fun, and you don’t want to wake up to pictures on social media with a face that has been drawn all over it.

Now that we have covered some essential safety tips, you should have a good feel for all the do’s and don’ts (and remember, if it feels like a bad idea, it probably means it is – But – that doesn’t always mean it won’t be fun!). From all of us here at the North Pole and my friends at Local Umbrella Media – May You All Have A Very Merry Christmas - and Santa will see you soon.

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

9

10

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

FINANCIAL FOCUS®

Can you make charitable giving less ‘taxing’?

Once again, it’s the season of generosity. In addition to considering gifts for your loved ones, you might want to think about charitable gifts as well. But what should you know before making gifts to charities?

And what impact might these gifts have on your financial and tax situation?

First, you may want to create a gift budget by deciding just how much you will give to charitable organizations over the rest of the year.

Next, look closely at the groups to whom you wish to contribute.

You can find many reputable charities, but some others may be less worthy of your support. One of the red flags of a questionable organization is the amount of money it spends on administrative costs versus the amount that goes to its stated purpose. You can check on the spending patterns of charitable groups, and find other valuable information about them, on the well-regarded Charity Navigator website (charitynavigator.org).

Once you’ve established a gift budget and are comfortable with the groups you choose to support, you might turn your thoughts to another key issue connected with charitable giving: tax benefits. A few years ago, changes in the tax laws resulted in a large increase

in the standard deduction, which meant that many taxpayers found it more favorable not to itemize — and lost the ability to take charitable deductions. But if you still do itemize, your charitable gifts or contributions to tax-exempt groups — those that qualify as 501(c) (3) organizations — can generally be deducted, up to 60% of your adjusted gross income, although lower limits may apply, depending on the nature of your gift and the organization to which you’re contributing.

Other, more long-term avenues also exist that combine charitable giving with potential tax benefits.

One such possibility is a donor-advised fund, which allows you to make an irrevocable charitable contribution and receive an immediate tax deduction. You can give cash, but if you donate appreciat-

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

ed assets, such as stocks, your tax deduction would be the fair market value of the assets, up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. Plus, you would not incur the capital gains tax that would otherwise be due upon the sale of these assets.

Once you establish a donor-advised fund, you have the flexibility to make charitable gifts over time, and you can contribute to the fund as often as you like.

Another possible tax benefit from making charitable contributions could arrive when you start taking required minimum distributions, or RMDs, from some of your retirement accounts, such as your traditional IRA and 401(k).

These RMDs could be sizable — and distributions are counted as taxable income. But by taking what’s called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can move

money from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charitable organization, possibly satisfying your RMD, which then may be excluded from your taxable income. You must start taking RMDs at 73 but you can begin making QCDs of up to $100,000 per year as early as age 70½. (This amount will be indexed for inflation after 2023.)

Establishing a donor-advised fund and making qualified charitable distributions are significant moves, so you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor first. But if they’re appropriate for your situation, they may help you expand your ability to support the charitable groups whose work you admire.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

11

DAYCARE ANGELS & PRESCHOOL www.daycareangelspreschool.com

ANGELS

LOVING EDUCATIONAL CARE PLAYFUL ACTIVITIES

Horseriding | Magic Act | More!

6 weeks - 5 yrs old Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

NUTRITIONAL MEALS

25+ years in the Heart of Tierrasanta!

“A part of your family since 1980” 858-621-1430 www.tierramesavet.com

Try us once and you’ll be hooked!

NEW IN TIERRASANTA with any Entree

Not valid with any other offer

Chef TAM THANH CAO Top 5 chef Vietnam 2014

EXPIRES JANUARY EXPIRES JULY 31, 20233,

FREE FREE SPRING ROLL DRINK

Amazing Food & Low Prices!

10645 Tierrasanta Blvd.

(858) 268-0979 www.momspho-n-grill.com Open 9am – 8:30pm Everyday

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

12

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Alex Morgan Foundation Honors Local Girl Scout

One San Diego girl’s leadership and commitment to community service has caught the attention of U.S. women’s Soccer player, Alex Morgan.

To honor the achievements of young female athletes in their local communities, Morgan started the Alex Morgan Foundation that includes a scholarship program known as the “Leaders of the Year” awards.

“I believe when girls and women have opportunities in life, it leads to transformative change within themselves and their communities,” explains Morgan on her foundation’s website.

Launched in 2023, the Alex Morgan Foundation has been dedicated to creating equity and opportunity on and off the field. According to her foundation’s website, the foundation helps identify roadblocks preventing local communities from reaching their full potential and invest in tangible solutions when, where and how they’re needed most.

Morgan reviews submissions sent in by coaches all around the county and selects a winner each year. This year, she selected two winners and presented them with their Leader of the Year Awards at the inaugural Celebration of Confidence on October 11, International Day of the Girl.

Lucky winner of this year’s foundation award is local Girl Scout Cadette, Nina Asnani. Asnani got to speak at the event and share inspiring stories about her grit and leadership on and off the soccer field. She opened up about her experiences and the incredible impact this award has had on her life.

“I was so honored to win the Leader of the Year Award! My mom actually nominated me by sending a video submission to the Alex Morgan Foundation. I also followed up with a video submission of my own, talking about my project to raise awareness of gender inequality in sports,” said Asnani. “Winning the award was a life changing experience. It felt great to be recognized in front of so many of my favorite soccer players, coaches and community leaders!”

Before this award, she had already demonstrated her dedication through essay submissions to attend the Let’s Go South Bay Empowerment Camp, a soccer initiative sponsored by the Alex Morgan Foundation. These experiences only fueled her desire to make a difference in the world of sports.

“My Indian dad and Mexican mom didn’t have a lot of opportunities when they were growing up, so I understand how important this award is to my family,” said Asnani. “I feel like I won it for all of us, because I know how hard everyone worked to get me to soccer practices, games, Girl Scout meetings, and support me as I worked towards my goals.”

The recognition that came with the Leader of the Year Award was indeed life-changing. Nina had the honor of standing in front of her favorite soccer players, coaches, and community leaders, a moment she’ll cherish forever.

“I feel that the build up was very exciting.

However, I was also nervous, but when I was on the stage,” said Asnani. “It felt good to share my thoughts and opinions with so many people I admire.”

Nina’s journey with the Girl Scouts began at the tender age of five, and it has been a cornerstone of her life ever since. She describes the Girl Scouts as an avenue that not only allowed her to give back to her community but also provided her with unique opportunities that she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. This early involvement with the organization set the stage for her future as a leader.

“I’m passionate about my Girl Scouts Silver Award project about Equality in Sports because I have experienced inequality on the field since I was in elementary school, and feel that no one should have to go through that,” said Asnani.

“My hope is to inspire people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.”

The Leader of the Year Award also comes with various scholarships and prizes, but for Nina, the true reward was the opportunity to attend the Alex Morgan Confidence Gala and meet some truly inspiring individuals. Additionally, she re-

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Nina Asnani with Alex Morgan

ceived Nike soccer cleats and a gift bag, items that further symbolized her accomplishments. Nina takes great pride in recognizing that this award isn’t just a personal victory; meeting Alex Morgan, one of her lifelong heroes, was a surreal experience.

“I am so grateful for my family and friends, who have supported me throughout my entire journey,” said Asnani. “I understand that most kids don’t have as many opportunities as me, so it makes this moment very special.” /LocalUmbrellaMedia

Photos courtesy of Alex Morgan Foundation

With her newfound platform as Leader of the Year, Asnani has a clear vision of how she wants to inspire other girls in her community. She is committed to inspiring people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

13

New Year at the Village

This holiday season Tierrasanta Village members are especially grateful for each other and their village community. Social isolation, which the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a public health crisis in the United States, can be one of the hardest parts of growing older. Having a Village in your community helps to prevent social isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a grocery trip with a volunteer or a walk in the park with fellow members, every interaction with Tierrasanta Village is an opportunity to make a meaningful connection.

Since 2008, Tierrasanta Village of San Diego (TVSD) has been transforming the way we age in our community. Members stay engaged and thrive through village activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The Village offers a variety of exercise classes to attend, from Chair Yoga and Tai Chi to weight training and core strength.

The group enjoys a full social calendar, staying connected and thus reducing isolation. The TVSD calendar is filled with opportunities to attend a round of golf, to enjoy a meal out with friends, to play Bridge, Bunko or Mah Jongg games, and so much more. Members also find value by volunteering to support other members as well as other non-profit organizations.

Through the Stronger Memory Program studied at George Mason University, members work to maintain and improve memory and brain health. A va-

Member Dolores Sullivan (left) and instructor Konsay Nak at a recent Tai Chi class.

January 17th 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Events require registration due to capacity limits. Simply send a text or email to the Village Front Desk at 858-569-9119 or tierrasantavlg@gmail.com. Find the full event calendar at tierrasantavillage.org.

Members Trish Newbill (left) and Carol Lee celebrate at the Tierrasanta Village 15th Anniversary Gala.

riety of educational opportunities on topics such as nutrition and technology help members to navigate healthy aging.

Throughout the month of January, Tierrasanta resLOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

idents age 50+ are invited to experience the TVSD activities that members enjoy together. Additionally, to learn more about the Village approach to healthy aging, attend the next Informational Happy Hour on /LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

14

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Gardening, Landscape Maintenance 619-786-1444

Edging, mowing, fertilizing, pruning, weeding.

Repairs of sprinklers.

Planting of shrubs, trees, bulbs, roses, & flowers.

CALL OR TEXT FOR A FREE ESTIMATE veteranselectricsd@gmail.com www.veteranselectricsd.com

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL Repair and Replacement • Extensions/Build Outs • Panel Upgrades • Rewiring • New Sockets and more...

Installation • Recessed Lighting • 50 Amp Stove Upgrades • Car Chargers • Ceiling Fans • Surge Protection • Troubleshooting and more...

INSPECTION AND TESTING Before we start any job, we ensure that we know all the services you need. We are up to date with current regulations as well as fully licensed and insured.

Call Russ: 858-837-4604

LIC #1060859

S&D Brushworks is a professional painting company that provides high-quality, customer-focused service to homeowners in San Diego. We are committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations by providing a clean, efficient and timely painting process. We use only the highest quality materials and workmanship, and we are backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

S E RV I C E S interior - exterior

doors

staining

decks - patios

kids rooms

faux finishes

cabinet refinishing

eco friendly

garage floor epoxy

Your Tierrasanta Neighbor

Wayne Smith II

cell 619.794.4855 | office 619.453.9373 wayne@sdbrushworks.com

SDbrushworks.com | LIC 979201 LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

15

Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club Awards Scholarships

Reception for the winners of their 2023 Scholarships at the home of Amy Hall.

Beverages, hors d’oeuvres and a celebratory Graduation Cake were served while the students and the TJWC members mingled and got to know each other.

During a casual Award period, each recipient was introduced and asked to share what school she would attend, some of her hopes and plans and a little about her Canyon Hills High School years in Tierrasanta.

Brooke Turner will be attending California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo, majoring in Liberal Studies.

Daniela Peregrino will attend San Diego State with a major in Sociology & Political Science.

Marissa Sheehy will remain in San Diego, attending the University of California, San Diego. She is “undeclared,” currently, but leaning toward Physical Sciences.

Sadly, not all the 2023 awardees were available to attend the Reception, but they were met by Joyce Muinos at the Monserate Park to receive their checks and pose for multiple photos!

For more information, please go to: www.tierrasantajuniorwomens.org or follow us on Facebook.

Each Year, the Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club awards six Scholarships to deserving young ladies graduating from Canyon Hills High School. In 2023, the awards were made to: Navaeh Salas, Lindsay Galvan, Brooke Turner, Cameron Abbott, Daniela Peregrino, and Marissa Sheehy.

Again, this year, the awardees will be chosen

by CHHS counselors and staff. Awards may be to students who intend to continue their education by enrolling in a trade school or individuals who will be continuing to a four-year university or community college.

The following criteria has been established: • Awards will be made to

Navaeh Salas (shown with Joyce Muinos) will be attending San Diego State University.

Unable to attend the reception, two winners received their checks at Villa Monserate Park. Seated, left - right: Cameron Abbott, will be attending UC Merced and Lindsay Galvan, who will attend UC Vera Cruz . Standing: Joyce Muinos, TJWC

female students.

• For those individuals continuing to a university or Community College, a minimum 3.0 GPA is required.

• No minimum GPA is required for Trade School.

• The ladies must demonstrate an interest in community service and community issues.

• Preference will be given to the person who is willing to “get involved,” with a history of volunteering.

• Awardees should be in most need of financial assistance.

• TJWC would choose to award an individual who is dedicated, determined, and

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

For more information about the TJWC, please go to: www.tierrasantajuniorwomens.org, or follow us on Facebook.

exhibits all the qualities needed to succeed but may have been “overlooked” in the awards process. We are thinking of the “hidden” gem who deserves and would benefit the most from the recognition and a little financial help from her community. @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

Thank Thank Y 6 16

| VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

The entire team TimeWise Wise J ntire team atatTime to thank our community fo thank our community fo support us at our 40th An upport us at our 40th An

If Glittering you missedGratitude the sale, know th for ou missed the sale, know th serviceCommunity and low prices everyday Spirit

ce and low prices everyday store would close. “It was difficult from day one,” admitted Stephanie. “Even though there was no going-out-of-business ads, it took me all of 2019 to convince the community that we’re still open and it’s just a change of ownership.

And then the pandemic hit.”

By LinDee Rochelle

During the Holiday Season, all that glitters may not be gold ... it might be ruby, sapphire, silver, a glittering watch face, or a simple, gilt-edged thank-you. These are a few of our favorite things ...

Is jewelry on your gift list? If not, give it a thought.

Buying jewelry is always personal, whether it’s for yourself or someone else. It represents milestones, special occasions, and tongue-tied feelings. It helps you make or preserve a memory, share a special moment, and often incites excitement.

Although you might consider buying online for convenience, the best deals and value for your dollars is likely right in your local community. Whatever the reason or the season, knowing your local jeweler makes the buying more fun and secure, and supporting local shops keeps your community thriving.

Stephanie Langlois, owner of Time Wise Jewelry in Clairemont, feels she owes this Holiday Season to her local customers, and feels the immense gratitude of the season.

Community Spirit More than a Word

“We were able to stay open and still be here, because of the community,” Stephanie emphasized. “Locals would come in and shop during the pandemic, saying ‘You are a staple in this community, we want you here, we want you to stay, and that’s why we’re here today.’ We are so fortunate to have such great customers. We would not have survived

the past two years without their support.”

That doesn’t mean it was easy. Stephanie purchased the thirty-eight-year established, Time Wise Jewelers in late 2018, with her first day as new owner, on January 1, 2019. She wasn’t really new to the family-owned business, as she’d been groomed by the retiring owners for more than eight years.

However, hot off their 2018 Holiday “retirement sales,” many local customers assumed the

Sincerely, Stephanie and all at Time Wis

LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com /LocalUmbrellaMedia LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com /LocalUmbrellaMedia

Sincerely,

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

sale, know that we have the best ces everyday so come and see us!

VOLUME 7 | ISSUE A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 20231 ||

in for a bright surprise.

A Little Sparkle Here, A Little you’re “The best deals are in our estate case,” said Stephanie.

“There’s a wide selection, with really cool, unique and There ... quality pieces from all over the world. I make sure each Stephanie made good use of their pandemic down-time, though, to give the store a glittering makeover. “I did a lot.

The store was a little dated (it had been there for many years under the same family ownership) so I completely repainted the inside. The store location was once a fake flower shop, so everything in the back was painted green.”

She installed a chandelier in the center which makes a great store centerpiece to reflect the brilliance of the diamonds and gemstones. Stephanie continued, “There was a lot of clutter and extra inventory.” Cleaning out the clutter gave her extra room. “I made a little seating area with a little table, installed pretty, mirrored wall décor, and eliminated the central sales area electric pole to open the space even more.” Time well spent.

Through her vendor connections, she learned that more than sixty family-owned and small community jewelry stores in California closed, in just the first year of the pandemic. This was her dream, and she wasn’t going to give up easily.

piece is restored to ‘new’ condition—they’re polished, deep cleaned, and stones replaced, or the piece expertly repaired.”

That isn’t even the best part ... “I literally figure out what it is worth at full retail, then sell it for half. It’s like buying a brand-new piece for half the price.” And there’s just some-

store is fully stocked and we’re ready for the holidays. Get acquainted with us by getting a free jewelry cleaning and inspection while you shop!”

Wrapping Up the Season

“I’m grateful to be here,” says Stephanie. “I’m so thankful for my customers, and because of them, I get to keep doing what I love, my passion, that I’ve been doing for the past sixteen years. There is no doubt, we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have such loyal customers.”

But Stephanie and Time Wise likely wouldn’t have such loyal customers without her artful dedication to designing one-of-a-kind pieces and serving her community with pride.

While jewelry is the obvious focus in the store, you can also stop in to say hello. “Recently,” said Stephanie, “a customer came in and brought me flowers, ‘just because’.”

‘Tis the Season to make a trip to Time Wise Jewelers.

See what’s new, what’s old, what’s on sale, and what Stephanie can do for you in a beautiful custom gift.

At-A-Glance Time Wise Jewelers Stephanie Langlois https://www.timewisejewelers.com/about/

For the Pure Pleasure of It

Stephanie thrived in jewelry sales as a seventeen-year-old starting out in the business and learned the ropes on her way up to an assistant manager.

Okay, got that part down. Then she found herself in a small watch and jewelry repair shop. “That’s where I learned more of both—jewelry and watches—and the back end of the business in repairs and maintenance,” said Stephanie.

It was when she stepped into a position at Time Wise Jewelers that she excelled. She worked her way up for eight-plus years, “... learning ever more about both jewelry and watches, and much more on the repair end,” Stephanie recalled. Now, with a well-rounded and comprehensive background, she still does “... a lot of clock and watch repair, and small jewelry repairs.”

It’s the jewelry designing, however, that she truly loves. “I like working with the customers, figuring out what they want. Designs and tastes are so different.”

She enjoys the mystery of conception-to-completion and helps the customer create one-of-a-kind pieces to express their personality, or their sentiment for another.

As she described a particularly interesting and unique request, I was struck by the customer’s depth of feeling.

“I made a ring for this gentleman,” Stephanie began, “to give to his wife for their 20th anniversary. It had a lot of meaning—from the design to how many stones used—everything was very symbolic of something. It was very personal; he didn’t let me in on all the details. It was all so mysterious. That ring was like two years in the making. He bought stones as he went, because it did have quite a few diamonds in it. I kind of went on this journey with him, finding stones, putting them together, designing the style. To this day his wife still comes in for its deep cleaning, and tells us how much she loves it, and gets compliments on it all the time.”

Sometimes though, you simply must have a piece of jewelry that makes your own statement. “Another woman we did a ring for a couple months ago,” said Stephanie, “brought in a bunch of her grandmother’s jewelry and we took certain stones out of it and came up with a really cool, asymmetrical design to make it her own style.” A great compromise expressing her personality, while still honoring the sentiment of her grandmother.

Of course, for several decades now, Jewelry hasn’t been coveted just by women. There is a fair share of guys who have come to enjoy its many facets for themselves, from a little sparkle to big bling. And nothing feels better than real gold.

7 17

thing seasonally nostalgic about vintage jewelry.

From a simple watch battery to custom designing a personal and unique item, the mission of Time Wise as your local, go-to jewelry store, is to give each customer extraordinary service and an unbeatable experience.

Besides the standard affordable sale cases of jewelry, Stephanie is thanking the Clairemont community with a Holiday special of 25-50% off all items, store wide. “The

Sincerely, ie and all at Time Wise Jewelers

858-560-5503 5643 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111 (Von’s shopping center) TimeWiseSanDiego@gmail.com Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm

5643 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 921 (858) 560-5503 timewise@pacbell.net

Thank You

The entire team at Time Wise Jewelers wo to thank our community for coming o support us at our 40th Anniversary s

If you missed the sale, know that we have t service and low prices everyday so come and

Holiday Cheer with a Twinkle

Stephanie’s looking forward to greeting first-time shoppers and thanking her loyal customers, during a Holiday Season filled with glittering good cheer.

“We have a new case of jewelry that features $500 and under pieces,” to make glittery gifting even more affordable. “There’s a nice mix of pendants, rings and earrings, for great stocking stuffers.”

But if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, take a gander at their top selling estate jewelry. If you’re thinking it’s just a tray of grandma’s tarnished old rings, LOCAL NEWS | LocalUmbrellaNews.com /LocalUmbrellaMedia LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com /LocalUmbrellaMedia

Sincerely, Stephanie and all at Time Wise Jewelers

5643 Balboa Ave., S (858) 560-5503 timewise@pacbell.n @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Press@LocalUmbrella.com @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

18

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

When we ask our members why they give, the answers are pretty simple.

“I believe in your mission.”

“I personally need what you’re offering.”

“Oasis literally saved my life during a difficult time.”

“I love knowing my donations are helping people in my own community.”

“I have come to know amazing people who share my interests and love of learning.”

“Seniors are primary targets of scams - Oasis teaches technology to keep me safe and confident.”

The reasons for giving come from core convictions.

The benefits come when we take those convictions to heart and act on them.

During this season of giving, we encourage you to consider your core convictions and put your heart into your year-end giving.

• • •

Do you have aging parents who could benefit from involvement in mental, physical and social activities?

Do you know friends or neighbors who struggle with social isolation?

Do you need a place to stimulate your mind, strengthen your body, and enjoy time with people who share your interests?

If these convictions resonate, we encourage you to act: • Become an Oasis member (it’s free!)

• Tell family and friends about our programs • Make a tax deductible gift; it’s an investment in you!

• Give a gift of healthy longevity to the most important seniors in your life - gift certificates are available for the Holidays!

San Diego Oasis We are changing the way people think about aging.

Learn | Donate | Join Scan the QR code Visit our website: SanDiegoOasis.org Call: (619) 881-6262 (La Mesa) or (858) 240-2880 (Rancho Bernardo)

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Is It Really 2024 Already?

I

By Bob Morey

t seems like just a couple of months ago I was writing about ringing in 2023, and it’s just sinking in how fast this year has passed by. As I reflect over the last year on all the great shows I saw, I feel humbled by the staggering amount of talent up on our stages and the performers who came through here. It is often forgotten that San Diego has become a worldclass city when it comes to the performing arts. Our city can boast about having world-class Symphony, Theatre, and Ballet Companies. We grow a great amount of talent here in our fair town, but we have also become a destination for performers from not just across our country, but from around the world.

Yes, we are truly blessed and have much to be proud of. And rightly so, but it’s the dedication and growth over the decades of our performing arts companies and their supporters that we should be grateful and thankful too.

While it’s still the Christmas season for the next couple of weeks, before we break out the campaign and start ringing in 2024, let me quickly recap what we can still see to close out a very strong and entertaining 2023 season.

The Old Globe has a pair of family fun shows, Running through December 30th is Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and through the 24th is Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show!

Down the hill in Old Town, The Cygnet has A Christmas Carol, you can bring the family and sing along with them through December 30th as well.

Across the bay, The Lamb’s Players are singing through the holidays with Respectfully Christmas, another family-friendly show that ends on December 24th.

screening of Disney’s timeless holiday classic with GRAMMY®-winning composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live to the film. The film is rated “PG” and parents should gauge if it is appropriate for their younger children.

Now that you’re all caught up until the Big Ball Drop, here is a look at what we’ll ring into.

The North Coast Rep is wasting no time and kicks off the new year on January 10th with Intimate Apparel, Written By Two-time Pulitzer Prizewinning dramatist Lynn Nottage and Directed by Jasmine Bracey. This is a powerful tale with an array of characters whose intertwining relationships are told with humor, heartbreak, and resiliency. In this deeply affecting story, we are taken into the world of a lonely, talented Black seamstress, living in a Manhattan boardinghouse in 1905 but dreaming of a more fulfilling life. Intimate Apparel runs through February 4.

Broadway SD brings us the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz, adapted from The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The highly anticipated Broadway revival of The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival. You can get on down the road to the Civic Center from January 9th through the 14th.

The North Coast Rep is pounding out a lot of fun with 2 Pianos 4 Hands, which is back by popular demand! Jefferson McDonald and Matthew McGloin, take us on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists.

The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents, and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel. The ivories get tickled from December 15th through the 31st.

The San Diego Symphony moves back indoors to the Jacobs Music Center On January 13th and 14th as Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki, whose style is lauded as “pristine, lyrical and intelligent” performs Mozart’s sublime Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. Rising star conductor Tianyi Lu takes the podium for this program, which opens with Anna Clyne’s propulsive This Midnight Hour, inspired by the poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez and Charles Baudelaire. Written when the composer was just 22 years of age, Aus Italien brings this mid-winter program to a close with Richard Strauss’ vivid depiction of the culture, landscape, and sunshine of Italy. On the 26th and 27th, Music Director Rafael Payare takes the podium to lead two timeless masterworks by Mozart and Bruckner, composed more than one century apart.

Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, a charming piece written during his time in Vienna, has delighted audiences since its premiere. The second half of the program features Bruckner’s transcendent Symphony No. 7, considered by many to be among the composer’s preeminent masterworks.

The San Diego Symphony is back at The Shell with a pair of shows, one traditional, and one different. First up is the family-friendly Noel Noel, from December 15th through the 17th. Next up on December 23rd is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert, featuring a

As you can see, January is a fairly quiet month after a very busy December. But don’t fret, by the time we get to February, the stages around town will be packed and running at full throttle. From all of us here at Local Umbrella Media A very happy holidays and new year to you all.

The singing continues at The San Diego Musical Theatre with another family-friendly show with Forever Plaid - Plaid Tidings, the tidings ends on December 24th as well.

The tradition continues at The City Ballet of San Diego as they bring San Diego’s favorite seasonal classic ballet The Nutcracker back to The Center for the Performing Arts for 4 performances from December 21st through the 23rd.

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

19

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Pacific Records Fest / 20 Years of Great Music!

DECEMBER 2023

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

20

On January 7 Point Loma-based label, Pacific Records, celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a special live showcase at the Music Box. The multimedia event will feature a mix of videos, guest emcees and live performances from Shane Hall, Skyler Lutes, Manual Scan, The Moonjacks, Kela Sako, Sandollar, Seawall Prophet, Slack Key Ohana, The Spice Pistols, Jonny Tarr, Sean Witkin, izzy delan and The Tourmaliners.

Notably the concert has an early run time of 4 – 9 p.m. and is an all-ages event.

How does label founder and CEO Brian Witkin feel about the label making it 20 years? “It’s been a journey for sure,” he said good naturedly. “I feel lucky I’ve been able to do what I love for so long and I’ve learned lots of lessons over the last twenty years. I’m proud of where we are as a company, but we still have a long way to go!”

Pacific Records has scored numerous successes, ranging from providing the entertainment at the Stella Artois Lounge in Pechanga Arena to scoring #1 Spotify albums for Lindsay Perry, Shane Hall, and Slack Key Ohana, in addition to San Diego Music Awards for the latter, as well as Jonny Tarr and The Tourmaliners. A single released by Rebecca Jade with Jason Mraz, “Bad Wolves,” won the 2021 SDMA for “Song of the Year.” “Anytime one of our artists receives an award it feels great because it validates what we are doing as a brand. It helps with credibility as well,” Witkin said.

The label has also been able to place its music on television and in films. “We’ve had a lot of great sync placements over the years with studios like Marvel, Netflix, Fox, and other national cable networks,” Witkin remarked. “Sandollar had an important placement on the Netflix series, Outer Banks, that helped launch them as a band and the Moonjacks were recently placed on Welcome to Flatch.” His favorite Pacific Records screen-related moment to date?

“Watching O-Town perform our single “Off ” on CBS-TV’s The Late Late Show with James Corden was a standout for me too. The feeling of hearing our music on television never gets old!”

Witkin points out that Pacific Records is a group effort. “We have a team that helps in various aspects. Pretty much all of us are also musicians/creators. For example, Patricio Pickslay runs the studio side of our business, while Martin Guigui is based in LA and helps us with our A&R and special projects. Mike Dobrovic is our CFO, he’s on the East Coast. My dad, Joe Witkin, is our tech guy and has helped us set up the sound system inside the Stella Artois Lounge. Drake Williams helps run the venue at the lounge, and also helps run the day-to-day operations. Andrew Scholnick is our publicist and Natasha Gemine is our in-house graphics designer. And a special shoutout to Chris Hobson, who is an engineer/producer I’ve worked with for well over a decade.”

Do artists signed to Pacific Records have to be from San Diego? “How we discover artists depends,” Witkin said. “We get a lot of submissions every day. However, we always prefer a referral from an artist we already work with. Also, the bands we work with do not have to be from San Diego. In fact, many of our artists are from around the country.” Does the label have a preferred format? “Streaming revenue is at the top for us, however, vinyl is making a huge comeback and vinyl is definitely the format I prefer.”

Sandollar’s album, Under the Water, took

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

ects released on Pacific Records and had a good experience. We also liked that many of the artists on Pacific were more beach or ocean-oriented sounds. We thought that our take on instrumental surf music would fit well in their catalog.” Their album, Surfidia, took home the 2023 San Diego Music Award for “Best Rock Album.”

Witkin and company are already looking forward to the next twenty years of making music, with 2024 jam packed with new releases. “We’re going to have a busy home the 2023 San Diego Music Award for “Best World Music Album, as well as headlining this year’s Ocean Beach Street Fair. “Pacific Records is a huge supporter of the local San Diego music scene and all things San Diego,” noted the bands drummer Henry Ortiz. “Through Brian and Pacific Records we’ve had the opportunity to perform at several quintessential San Diego events like The Farmers Open at Torrey Pines, the Del Mar Racetrack, the VIP lounge at Pechanga Arena, and The Caddyhack Celebrity Golf Tournament where [former Padres pitcher] Trevor Hoffman poured us all a beer and the legendary surfer, Rob Machado, cheered us on. Awesome.”

Bassist Sppike Mike Muellenberg of the Spice Pistols concurs. “Pacific Records has the ability to help artists reach a wider range of listeners. That’s really the name of the game as an artist. And with Pacific’s success in helping artists find placement in films and movies it opens the door for more possibilities.” Meanwhile, for guitarist Deven Berryhill of The Tourmaliners, past experience counted. “We wanted to be a part of a broader musical team here in San Diego,” he said. “Certain members of our band had already worked on other proj-

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

year! We have multiple albums, singles and videos lined up already from a lot of our artists including The Moonjacks, Seth Loveless, Sandollar, Slack Key ‘Ohana, The Tourmaliners, Kela Sako, Shane Hall, and izzy delan, to start.”

For his part Witkin is happy with the label’s positive impact on the community at large and the artists in particular. “Well, I’m proud of what we release as a label,” he said.

“Being a musician, I always put the music first. I suppose it’s a feat to still be in existence for so long. The business has changed so much since we started, and we’ve had to do a lot of adapting over the years.”

What are his hopes for Pacific Records?

“Well, to keep creating and releasing music while growing as a company,” he said. “I can’t think of a more fun way to have spent the past two decades.” https://pacificrecords.com

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

Eric Sage / Tennis Like A Rockstar San Diego based singer and guitarist Eric Sage has established himself as a topflight musician over the last several decades. It’s been a truly amazing career that’s seen him release a string of acclaimed solo albums of his original music, tour nationwide as a member of Ian Mitchell’s Bay City Rollers and establish several popular tribute shows; Young Guns (country rock) and Eric Sage’s Ultimate Rock Show (classic rock), as well as fronting performances in Bon Jovi and Keith Urban tributes. He’s even done a bit of acting.

The early voice of Young Sprout of Green Giant commercial fame? Eric Sage. His most visible role to date? Likely as the music store salesman who famously stops Mike Myers from playing “Stairway to Heaven” in iconic film, Waynes World (1992). It’s been amazing career. And it all began with tennis.

Sage started as a young tennis pro in Toronto, Canada and is now going full circle with his new television program and YouTube series, Tennis Like A Rockstar. “My music journey is unique,” Sage said good naturedly. “I started playing tennis at the age of five and became a highly ranked junior. After playing tennis at San Diego State University, I then turned pro and traveled the globe where I achieved a world ranking as a touring tennis professional.” A severe car accident at the age of 23 caused a change of plans. “After 2 years of grueling physical therapy, I was not able to get back to pro level,” Sage said. “This ended 18 years of work and my career as a professional tennis player.” He soon decided to head to Los Angeles and uses his skills to teach tennis.

“While in LA I landed roles in hit films like Wayne’s World and did a lot of commercials.

I also went on to become the “Tennis Teacher To The Stars”. I coached many celebrities including George Clooney, and Alec Baldwin, as well as famous rock stars, NFL owners, worldranked juniors, and adults. I also taught physically and mentally disabled children and kids of all ages. However, I always had a dream to be a professional singer, pianist, and composer.” When the experts in their respective fields told him it was too late for him to succeed in music, he decided “This is my life, and no one can tell me what I’m able to accomplish until I am done trying.” Ultimately, I spent the next twelve years teaching tennis

21

everything else feels easy!” Both sports and music involve pressure, “but that’s when we eight hours a day while studying music five hours deep into every night. After reaching a professional level as a musician, I have been blessed to be performing ever since.”

What’s the philosophy behind Tennis Like A Rockstar? “It’s the title of my TV show and YouTube series, as well as the name of my new book, but it’s also a concept,” Sage commented. “After the car accident that ended my tennis career, it was a transformational time. While teaching, I developed the 1 Through 10 Tennis System to help my students of all levels. I then wrote a book called, Tennis Like A Rockstar. It’s not only for tennis players but is also a self-help book about going after one’s individual dreams. So, even though I was a tennis pro, now I am a professional singer and musician. I believe humans can achieve great things and master more than just one thing in a lifetime. In my case, sports and the arts. The hope is that the show and the book will inspire and motivate the viewer or reader to reach their own goals. I believe that through discipline and intelligent practice, anyone can achieve their aspirations. If I can help inspire people to their dreams, then the philosophy of Tennis Like A Rockstar is a success.

How much crossover does Sage feel there is between sports and music? “I really believe there is a lot, beginning with the dedication it takes to become a professional at either,” Sage said. “It all starts with discipline, and without

feel most alive and connected to our dreams!

It would be hard to say which is my favorite, but music touches the soul in a unique way.”

What does Sage enjoy most about Tennis Like A Rockstar? “I get to do two of my favorite passions: tennis and music. I love that neither is possible. Another area that there are connections, is with the physical aspect of both. We all know that an athlete is very entrenched with the body.

However, for me to break through as a singer it was a brilliant opera teacher who was the only instructor that said, “For you to be great, you are going to need to rework and rediscover your entire body alignment.” The reason I was able to develop a three-octave range was that he had me study the Alexander Technique (an intense body alignment discipline), 90-minute sessions of hot yoga (I studied Bikram Yoga), as well as developing a powerful diaphragm through massive running, training, and breathing drills.” Sage notes one benefit of going from sports to music. “People often ask me if I get nervous before big shows or auditions. To be able to avoid this roadblock I can draw from my years of pro tennis. All the years of training to be calm and to stay in the moment paid off. Once you have played big matches in front of large crowds in a pair of shorts,

teaching and interviewing great athletes and artists. When people tell me that they watched my show and learned a lot about technique, or shot selection, or mental toughness, that is great.” He considers another aspect of the program. “However, when someone says, “You helped me see what it takes to fight through adversity and reach my dreams,” it is the most rewarding part of the show.”

Look for new episodes of Tennis Like A Rock Star soon. “I truly appreciate everyone that takes the time to watch the series, and all of the very kind comments from the viewers,” Sage said. “I feel very blessed for their support!” https://ericsage.com

Riston Diggs / People of the World Multiple Best Hip Hop / Rap artist SDMA winner (and actor) Riston Diggs releases his latest EP, People of the World, this month. “It’s been a long time coming!” said Diggs. “The album was written by myself and completely produced / engineered by Sly Beats.

Meanwhile Oladipo Efunkoya Jr. gets the credit again for executive producing and the cover art for the project was painted by my very talented friend, Brian Meyer.”

What sets this EP apart from his previous releases? “Overall, People of the World makes me feel at peace when I listen to it,” Diggs said. “Every instrumental that Sly Beats created makes me feel like I’m in a dream of me listening to an album that I didn’t create, but completely applies to my life. Every lyric makes me reflect on my battles with money, time, and the world we all live in. Unfortunately, some of the

thanks to DJ Roob for the assist there.”

He notes it’s been a busy 2024.

“The end of this year has been pretty jam packed for me as far as releases,” he said. “I had an album release in September, titled Phantom’s Back produced by Banyon Bachman and Nigel Dean. Then on November 17, my band, The Gravities released a live album in collaboration with The Music same battles we all face daily. I would have to say this album is my attempt at making my reality sound beautiful. It’s also a very short project, five songs in under 10 minutes.”

Diggs has left the choice of the EP’s first single to a friend. “DJ Roob from KKSM’s Not So Serious radio show has

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

picked his favorite song from the project, “Soldier” after listening to People of the World a few times,” he said. “He is going to be spinning it on his radio platform, which I am very grateful for. Based on his experience & level of expertise I think I’m going to agree to the single being “Soldier” as well, so

Company for their Beachbreak Sessions series recorded at their beautiful studio located in Pacific Beach. There’s a lot of content for my supporters to listen to!” https://music.apple.com/us/album/ people-of-the-world-ep/1713269404

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

22

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Top 5 Concerts

its core members in place since 1973. A national treasure, seeing this band live should be on every music fans bucket list.

December 24 – Exile on Kettner / The Casbah, Little Italy One of San Diego’s finest holiday traditions, Exile on Kettner, returns on Christmas Eve. What started as a get together for musicians and friends with nowhere to go on the night, has now become a beloved local institution. As always, the night features a host of the city’s finest musicians playing the music of the Rolling Stones. Best of all it’s free.

December 29 & 30 - Thee Sacred Souls / The Sound, Del Mar The biggest success story from San Diego in recent years, Thee Sacred Souls, plays a two-night stand at The Sound in support of their two 7” 45’s released this year, “Future Lover” and “Runaway.”

December 19 & 20 – A Very Sinatra Christmas Special / The Coaster Terrace, Belmont Park A night under the stars with music from iconic singer Frank Sinatra’s music catalog. His biggest hits such as “Fly Me To The Moon” and “New York, New York,” will be joining holiday favorites such as “White Christmas” and “Let It Snow.”

December 20 – A Berkley Hart Christmas / The Music Box, San Diego Top singer songwriters Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart join forces for a holiday musical extravaganza, with special guests Eve Selis, Tim Flannery, Shawn Rohlf, Julia Sage and Lindsay White.

December 23 – Los Lobos / The Belly Up Tavern, Encinitas The iconic band celebrates its 50th Anniversary, with

New San Diego Music Releases

New and Upcoming Singles:

Far From Ya Average - “Woosah,” The Goodies – “The Maze,” “Around The World”, “Runnin” (December 1), John

January – “Tanglewood Road” (tbd),

FantomOpra), Sandi King – “Frozen

K-Rock Tha Fantom- “Chasing That

Heart,” Manganista – “Human Being,”

Moment” (featuring Chi Bully & J-2 of

MohaviSoul – “The Way” (Fastball

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

cover), Reggae Hit Masters – Blueberry Fago (produced by Sol Turpin), Smoke + Mirrors Soundsystem featuring Christopher Gordon Dowd and Zoe Devlin Love – “Band of Gold” b/w “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” (7” vinyl), Stone Horse – “Cherry Devout,” “Children of Freedom,” “A Place In The Sun,” Thea the Band – “May Your Burdens Be Mine” (co-write with Ben Allen), Thee Allyrgic Reaction – “Small Steps” (7” vinyl), Thee Sacred Souls - “Future Lover” & “Runaway” (both 7” vinyl) New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: The Brothers Burns – Nearly Extinct: The Tales of the Emcee, Creepxotica – The Legend of Chico Baker (on 180g volcanic lava vinyl), Riston Diggs – Phantoms Back, Riston Diggs – People of the World, Dusty and The LoveNotes – Quarter Horse, The Goodies – tbd (January 2024), grampadrew - Greatest Hits, The Gravities – The Beachbreak Sessions, The Nathan Hubbard Trio - Seeds of Rivers, Katie LaDubz – Temporary, The Plagues – s/t, The Psychlops – Here Come The…, Dave Preston - Sniffin N’ Scratchin, Marcelo Radulovich / Mike Keneally – Bask, Julia Sage – Entre Las Venas, Sometimes Julie - Seven Wishes, Jackie Starr – From the Darby Hotel, Various Artists – Our Ramona (with Doug Walker, Jon Hasz, Ashley E Norton, Thea the Band, Dusty Recor and 11 others), Various Artists - Surfin’ Kitty X-mas 4 (with The Tourmaliners) New and Upcoming Videos: Mrs. Magician – “There is No God” (video directed by John Reis, assistant director McHank), Matthew Phillips – “Till It’s Over”

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 |

25% OFFUT23

California Center for the Arts, Escondido December 21 – 23 858-272-8663 • www.cityballet.org

N Code:

Awarded ‘Best Nutcracker’ in San Diego -San Diego Tommy Awards

The Nutcracker Photo by Chelsea Penyak

PURE HOLIDAY MAGIC with The City Ballet Orchestra

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky • Choreography: Elizabeth Wistrich

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

23

24

| VOLUME 9 | WINTER 2023 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

tier ras ant apu lse. com

S TAY IN F O R M E D

c o m m u n it y c a le n d a r

The PULSE of the Community Please help fill the Tierrasanta Pulse Community Calendar with local events: fundraisers, sports sign ups, community group meetings, etc. by emailing the title of event, date, time and location to info@tierrasantapulse.com. With your expressed persmission we will share your social events on our Facebook & Instagram.

Follow us! @pulsetierrasanta

TO ADD THE CALENDAR TO YOUR DEVICE SCAN THE QR CODE FOR EITHER APPLE OR GOOGLE CALENDAR

APPLE iCal

GOOGLE

THE PULSE photo contes t

Enter to WIN a $100 giftcard to a local Tierrasanta business. Capture a creative photo of Tierrasanta.

Email the photo referencing “Tierrasanta Pulse Photo Contest” in the subject line to info@tierrasantapulse.com No purchase necessary to win. Sponsored by LUVSD Realty.

with luv,

Julie Adams REALTOR® DRE 01409835 REAL BROKER

Tierrasanta

619.677.1004 | hello@LuvSDhomes.com | @luvsdhomes

92124 home sales

SEP T 12 – NOV 21 AVG DAYS ON M A RK E T 23

scan for your home’s value

Sales represent activity from various brokers and per SDMLS and San Diego County Recorder’s office. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Mandana Albrecht | FALL 2023 WINNER Fall Sunrise. Tierrasanta trail off Portabelo Drive.

SOLD PRICE

ADDRESS

SOLD PRICE

ADDRESS

$600,000 $650,000 $657,000 $668,000 $676,000 $710,000 $760,000 $760,000 $775,000 $782,000 $800,000 $815,000 $815,000 $835,000 $840,000 $850,000

10927 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 6110 Calle Mariselda Unit 304 9768 Caminito Del Marfil 10953 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 6221 Calle Mariselda Unit 702 11326 Camino Playa Cancun 6 11335 Cascada Way 5405 Escarchosa Ln 5212 Fino Dr 9842 Rimpark Way 5017 Abuela Dr 11485 Cascada Way 10770 Escobar Dr 9850 Rimpark Way 5266 Caminito Aruba 5225 Guinda Ct

$860,000 $865,000 $930,000 $985,000 $986,000 $1,150,000 $1,167,000 $1,176,000 $1,200,000 $1,230,000 $1,250,000 $1,263,000 $1,275,000 $1,300,000 $1,350,000 $1,530,000

10690 Esmeraldas Dr 11279 Cascada Way 5205 Fino Dr 5959 El Escorial Way 5707 Menorca Dr 10361 Matador Ct 10724 Montego Dr 4415 Terreno Ct 5191 Camino Playa Malaga 5356 Montego Pl 4266 Cartulina Rd 10652 Gabacho Dr 10575 Viacha Dr 5687 Tortuga Ct 11721 Invierno Dr 4502 Via Palabra

/LocalUmbrellaMedia

@LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com